Agenda Information Sheet
DEPARTMENT: Police
CM/ ACM: John Cabrales, Jr.
Date: October 18, 2016
SUBJECT
Title
Receive a report, hold a discussion and give staff direction regarding the amendment of Chapter 18, Section 18-38, of the Code of Ordinances, Use of Wireless Communication Devices While Driving.
Body
BACKGROUND
On May 6, 2014, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2014-112 prohibiting texting while driving on any roadway within the City of Denton, excluding the interstate highways and their associated frontage roads. Denton City Council requested the reconsideration of Ordinance 2014-112 to include a complete ban on handheld communication devices on all roadways in the City limits. On February 23, 2016, the City Council received a presentation on this issue, including data concerning distracted driving and the effectiveness of police enforcement since the ordinance was effectuated.
The City Council directed staff to take the issue to the Traffic Safety Commission for consideration. On March 7, 2016, staff made a presentation to the Traffic Safety Commission and received direction to amend the current ordinance to include a full ban on hand-held devices for all roadways. On May 2, 2016, staff provided a formal recommendation to the Traffic Safety Commission on the matter. The Commission recommended forwarding a complete ban of the use of handheld devices while driving (5-0). On June 7, 2016, City Council received a presentation on the issue including information on crash factors, fatality crashes, and enforcement of the current ordinance in the City. Council Members requested a report with additional data. The item was scheduled and then reset from the June 21, 2016, agenda.
DISCUSSION
A considerable amount of research exists establishing the dangers of using wireless devices while driving. Studies in 2009 and 2013 by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) brought light to the dangers of both distracted driving, and cell phone use as a ...
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